Purina NF Dog Food Side Effects: What Owners Need to Know (Common Issues & Warnings)

Okay, here's my personal experience with Purina NF dog food and the side effects I observed:

So, my dog, Buster, he's a golden retriever, getting up there in years. He started having some kidney issues, you know, peeing more, drinking a ton of water, the usual signs. The vet did some tests and sure enough, his kidney function wasn't what it used to be.

The vet recommended Purina NF Kidney Function food. Said it was specially formulated for dogs with kidney problems. I was willing to try anything to help my buddy, so I grabbed a bag.

The First Few Weeks

At first, things seemed okay. Buster gobbled it up, which, for him, isn't unusual. He's always been a food hound. I didn't notice any immediate changes, good or bad. He was still drinking a lot, but I figured that was to be expected with his condition.

The Side Effects Creep In

• Loose Stools: After about two weeks, I noticed his poop was, well, looser than normal. Not full-blown diarrhea, but definitely not his usual firm stools.
• Gas: Oh boy, the gas. My wife started complaining, and honestly, even I had to open a window sometimes. Buster's never been a gassy dog, so this was a new development.
• Less Energy?:This one was harder to pinpoint, but he seemed a bit more lethargic than usual. Less interested in playing fetch, more napping. This could just be his age, or his kidneys, it can get difficult to differenciate.

The Vet Visit Follow-Up

I called the vet and described what was going on. She said that some dogs can experience digestive upset when switching to a new food, especially one with lower protein like NF. She suggested I try mixing it with his old food gradually, to ease the transition. That kinda helped.

My Decision

After the vet's call I tried mixing the food like I was told. I eventually switched him completely over to the NF, and the side effects were still there but less.

He is still eating Purina NF now and I think it is helping with his kidneys, but I will take him back to the vet soon to be sure.

Every dog is different. What worked for Buster might not work for your dog, and vice-versa. Just keep a close eye on your furry friend and don't hesitate to call your vet if you have any concerns!